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Pete Stark, Rep. Eric Swalwell
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CONGRESS | 15TH DISTRICT | Pete Stark’s four decades in Congress did not have a happy ending and the bitter defeat to Democrat Eric Swalwell apparently still burns. Stark told Roll Call, a publication focused on Congress, he plans to do everything in his power to help State Sen. Ellen Corbett defeat his old rival next year.
“Hopefully Eric will lose, and I am doing everything I can to see that Ellen Corbett wins that primary election,” Stark told Roll Call on Wednesday, “I remember Eric, during the campaign against me, suggested that I was too old and inept to be of any value in the political process, so I am going to see if I can prove that to be wrong.”
In fact, Swalwell’s sometimes mean-spirited attacks on Stark’s human frailty was an underreported aspect of his upset victory last year. You may recall Swalwell’s campaign produced a low-budget video depicting a hypothetical debate between Swalwell, who appeared as himself, and a young actor with painted gray hair posing as Stark.
During the last campaign finance period, Stark contributed $2,000 to Corbett’s campaign and more appears on the way. There is also a chance Stark’s reemergence in next year’s race could actually help Swalwell again reinvigorate moderates and conservatives in the Tri Valley.
But, while other members of the California Democratic House delegation are beginning to make a concerted effort to strangle Corbett’s intraparty bid while its still in its crib, Stark is heading in opposite direction, at least, in this race.
However, Roll Call also published an article Thursday, possibly showing Stark employing a plea for party loyalty over an upstart young Democrat in another nearby congressional race. Stark told the publication, he attempted to dissuade Ro Khanna from challenging South Bay Rep. Mike Honda next year.
“I tried to convince Ro not to do that,” Stark told Roll Call. “I think that’s impertinent of him. I mean … Mike is a fantastic member of Congress.” In fact, Stark’s emphasis on describing Honda as a beloved member of the state’s House delegation is a meme you will often heard from local officials and political observers in the area.
But, before you label Stark a hypocrite for claiming party loyalty when it does not effect him personally, he also told Roll Call, Khanna “has to wait and run.” Of course, waiting for their turn to run, is what a caravan of local politicians, including Corbett and Khanna, did in the 15th District two years ago before Swalwell swooped in a upended the order of things in the East Bay.
My wife and I voted for Eric last year but this next year will vote for Ellen Corbett. Eric has done absolutely nothing meaningful in Congress since he's been there. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.
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Ellen is more popular East of the hills then you believe. It will be much closer because of all the unwanted development and congestion that Eric voted for on the Dublin City Council that added to the traffic jams that are destroying our way of life.
Since Ellen will destroy him West of the hills, she should be able to win because of the ground troops (precinct walkers) and phone bankers that will volunteer for her. She has always had many more than her opposition. Supporters going door to door usually win elections, not how much money you get from vested interests.
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I agree Ellen Corbett in 2014. She is a much better politician an has done more for Seniors, children,women, the environment, consumers, working families, teachers, nurses, and on and on.. Swalwell has accomplished next to nothing on the Dublin city council or since he's been in Congress.
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I agree with 12:13 on Dec 6th and I like Ellen too but I don't know if she will win by much. I'll take 52-48 and be immensely happy, and I'll bet Corbett will too. I do agree when Swalwell was on the Dublin City Council he did nothing and so far in Congress also has authored no significant legislation, but has signed on to other Dems bills. Ellen Corbett, by contrast, has authored signifiant legislation benefitting the middle class and lower middle class.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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It doesn't matter who Bill or Pete support. It will come down to Ellen vs. Eric. It will be Ellen's experience and accomplishments in the Senate vs. Eric's inexperience and lack of accomplishments in Congress. This school teacher thinks Ellen Corbett deserves to be elected to Congress next year based on the criteria just enunciated.
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Will always be a sure bet for Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Love ya for all time, honey!
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Bill's endorsement won't help Swalwell much as Ellen is a much better candidate than Stark and she is well liked in her Senate District. She has pulled upset after upset in her career and when she beats Swalwell I'm not sure you could even call it an upset. I know she has helped us in the past and we will be voting for Ellen Corbett next year, even though we voted for Eric last year.
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Eric is not running against Stark this time with his irascible temperament and personality. Ellen Corbett is a much more formidable foe and an extremely likable and capable politician. She is very likely to win as she has helped many people in this area over the years. I know our family will be supporting her.
Since Eric has authored no significant legislation in Washington, I'll take Ellen Corbett who has authored significant legislation to help the environment, women, consumers, seniors, children, education, etc.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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To the anon 8:45 poster above—-Well what do you know? It's the Swalwell troll, stooge, shill, staffer (pick one cause there's only one). Remember the name Eric ” the corrupt flip-flopper” Swalwell if you want to vote for the developers wet dream or the mega-corporations best friend.
If you check the Citizen article you will find Swalwell not Corbett has been bought and paid for by big business, large corporations, big pharma, etc. I'll take Corbett any day with her outstanding pro-consumer voting record. Go get him Ellen because you have a good chance of winning. Eric only won because people thought Stark was losing it. I also voted for Swalwell, but won't again. He's too inexperienced, corrupt and changes his mind on issues all the time.
If I had a mistake prone boss like yours, I'd try and change the topic too!
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Dorcas, you never voted for the congressman in your entire life. You don't live in the district. You have always volunteered on old man's Stark's campaigns. Finally, you're off your meds again and smoking the bad stuff.
Eric going to kick that fatt ass where it hurts!
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If you check the Citizen articles you will find Swalwell not Corbett has been bought and paid for by big business, large corporations, big pharma, etc. I'll take Corbett any day with her outstanding pro-consumer voting record. Go get him Ellen because you have a good chance of winning. Eric only won because people thought Stark was losing it. I also voted for Swalwell, but won't again. He's too inexperienced, corrupt and changes his mind on issues all the time.
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I agree Ellen Corbett in 2014. She is a much better politician an has done more for Seniors, children,women, the environment, consumers, working families, teachers, nurses, and on and on.. Swalwell has accomplished nothing on the Dublin city council or since he's been in Congress.
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Eric is not running against Stark this time with his irascible temperament and personality. Ellen Corbett is a much more formidable foe and an extremely likable and capable politician. She is very likely to win as she has helped many people in this area over the years. I know our family will be supporting her.
Since Eric has authored no significant legislation in Washington, I'll take Ellen Corbett who has authored significant legislation to help the environment, women, consumers, seniors, children, education, etc.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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Regarding Pete's threats to pour money into defeating Swalwell, a few points.
Pete now claims to have a minimum of $15,000,000 of assets.
Probably has much more.
He has thus far spent $2,000 to support Corbett.
Still sitting the cheap seats as far as influencing this election.
He still has $60,000 in his old campaign account.
I guess he could spend about $50,000 of that on the Corbett race, either directly or indirectly to support her.
Beyond that, I don't see Pete using any of his own money.
After all this is a guy who takes care of himself.
Remember, even with 15 to 30 million dollars, he made sure he got Soc. Security money for each of his young children over the years. That in a program where the real intent of the legislation was to care for needy children of aging parents.
Pete fit nicely under the loose criteria and got tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Perhaps in excess of $100,000 total. 3 young kids, monthly checks for years and years.. I don't know what it all added up to.
Unlikely a guy who would take that money would spend any significant amount of his own money to help Corbett in a very iffy campaign effort.
Pete didn't even spend any of his own money to help his own re-election.
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To the anon 8:34 poster—-Well what do you know? It's the Swalwell troll, stooge, shill, staffer (pick one cause there's only one). Remember the name Eric ” the corrupt flip-flopper” Swalwell if you want to vote for the developers wet dream or the mega-corporations best friend.
If you check the Citizen article you will find Swalwell not Corbett has been bought and paid for by big business, large corporations, big pharma, etc. I'll take Corbett any day with her outstanding pro-consumer voting record. Go get him Ellen because you have a good chance of winning. Eric only won because people thought Stark was losing it. I also voted for Swalwell, but won't again. He's too inexperienced, corrupt and changes his mind on issues all the time.
If I had a mistake prone boss like yours, I'd try and change the topic too!
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Well let's see, the Hayward anti-union and sexist Troll who just did the last post is back. Just admit you are a Swalwell staffer and have nothing meaningful to say. Talk about a hater. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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I am persuaded. Will be voting for our great congressman next year. Don't let the haters get to you, Eric. They're all losers.
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The Hayward antiunion sexist troll just keeps trying to change the subject because his candidate is corrupt and has done nothing on the Dublin Council or in Congress.
Ellen Corbett in 2014. She is a much better politician an has done more for Seniors, children,women, the environment, consumers, working families, teachers, nurses, and on and on..
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What Ellen really needs to do is practice baking up some cookies. Ho needs to learn what really needs doing. That and pimpin' for those union whores.
Who said WILLIE LEWIS BROWN, JR. Bridge.
Damn Ellen, with hoes like you, well….
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Well let's see, the Hayward anti-union and sexist Troll who just did the last three posts is back. Just admit you are a Swalwell staffer and have nothing meaningful to say except to spew venom. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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Dat's fo sure! Oh, dat's fo veery sure!
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Ellen Corbett will LOSE badly to Swalwell. I can't wait to see her crying the entire campaign trying to get fellow welfare recipients to vote for her.
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Pete Stark is a senile old fool. I'm glad he's finally thrown out on his wrinkled old ass. That was the only good news on Election Night 2012
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I agree Ellen Corbett in 2014. She is a much better politician an has done more for Seniors, children,women, the environment, consumers, working families, teachers, nurses, and on and on.. Swalwell has accomplished nothing on the Dublin city council or since he's been in Congress.
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I think 9:25 hit the nail on the head and Ellen Corbett will win.
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Will always be a sure bet for Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Love ya for all time, honey!
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Heard that !
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It's all about thePolitics !
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Ellen is more popular East of the hills then you believe. It will be much closer because of all the unwanted development and congestion that Eric voted for on the Dublin City Council that added to the traffic jams that are destroying our way of life.
Since Ellen will destroy him West of the hills, she should be able to win because of the ground troops (precinct walkers) and phone bankers that will volunteer for her. She has always had many more than her opposition. Supporters going door to door usually win elections, not how much money you get from vested interests.
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Ellen wins 57% to 43% west of the hills.
Swalwell wins 62% to 38% East of the hills.
Every step Ellen takes to secure a higher percentage western Alameda County, loses her votes in eastern Alameda County.
Unless she can raise over $1,000,000 she has a very uphill climb.
Las Vegas would put about a 7 point spread in the race.
Meaning 53.5% to 46.5%… but only if Ellen can raise over $684,000. Otherwise the margin could be larger.
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I like Ellen too but I don't know if she will win by that much. I'll take 52-48 and be immensely happy, and I'll bet Corbett will too. I do agree when Swalwell was on the Dublin City Council he did nothing and so far in Congress also has authored no significant legislation, but has signed on to other Dems bills. Ellen Corbett, by contrast, has authored signifiant legislation benefitting the middle class and lower middle class.
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Eric wants to try and run against Stark again but Ellen's to smart and popular to let that happen. Eventually it will boil down to Eric running on his merits and accomplishments, and Ellen running on her merits and accomplishments. I think it's fair to say Eric has accomplished very little and Ellen has accomplished much more. Ellen wins 55%-45% in 2014.
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@ Anon November 25th, 1:51pm:
I think you're probably right. And that's a good thing for the people of the Bay Area who won't get swamped with a barrage of negative attack ads and the people of the district who will see their mailboxes junked up with attack mailers.
I mean, if he was willing to spend this much of his personal fortune, wouldn't he have spent it on his own reelection? It's not like he didn't know he was in trouble and at risk of being defeated.
@ Anon November 25th, 7:16 pm
Quite sadly, I heard he has a girlfriend (heartbreaking news for sure). 😦 But you should still vote for him anyway. He's done a very good job as a freshman Congressman.
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8:41 PM, how come you didn't include your family?
Won't your family also be voting for Ellen?
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I had to look up the word enunciated, but I agree with you.
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It doesn't matter who Bill or Pete support. It will come down to Ellen vs. Eric. It will be Ellen's experience and accomplishments in the Senate vs. Eric's inexperience and lack of accomplishments in Congress. This school teacher thinks Ellen Corbett deserves to be elected to Congress next year based on the criteria just enunciated.
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6:25, You do realize he was joking.
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I agree Ellen Corbett in 2014. She is a much better politician an has done more for Seniors, children,women, the environment, consumers, working families, teachers, nurses, and on and on.. Swalwell has accomplished nothing on the Dublin city council or since he's been in Congress.
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I know our family will be supporting her. (Nov. 23rd #1)
I know our family will be supporting her. (Nov. 23rd #2))
My family and I will be voting for Ellen Corbett next year (Nov 24th)
My family and I will be voting for Ellen Corbett next year. (Nov 25th)
============================================
In a prior article,
I like Corbett too and my family voted for Swalwell last year, bt will vote for Ellen next year. (Nov 23rd)
Gosh, so many families have made the decision 12 months in advance.
Ellen seems like a lock on this race. Nothing can stop her family based juggernaut.
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According to the Oct 16 article on the Citizen a large part of Swalwell's contributions came from the medical and pharmaceutical vested interest groups. These are the same groups that have been sticking it to the middle class and poor for years. My family and I will be voting for Ellen Corbett next year.
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Love ya all over the 15th, congressman!
I'm an 18 year old who will be voting in my first election. You look FINE to me! Want to go to the prom?
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Eric is not running against Stark this time with his irascible temperament and personality. Ellen Corbett is a much more formidable foe and an extremely likable and capable politician. She is very likely to win as she has helped many people in this area over the years. I know our family will be supporting her.
Since Eric has authored no significant legislation in Washington, I'll take Ellen Corbett who has authored significant legislation to help the environment, women, consumers, seniors, children, education, etc.
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Regarding Pete's threats to pour money into defeating Swalwell, a few points.
Pete now claims to have a minimum of $15,000,000 of assets.
Probably has much more.
He has thus far spent $2,000 to support Corbett.
Still sitting the cheap seats as far as influencing this election.
He still has $60,000 in his old campaign account.
I guess he could spend about $50,000 of that on the Corbett race, either directly or indirectly to support her.
Beyond that, I don't see Pete using any of his own money.
After all this is a guy who takes care of himself.
Remember, even with 15 to 30 million dollars, he made sure he got Soc. Security money for each of his young children over the years. That in a program where the real intent of the legislation was to care for needy children of aging parents.
Pete fit nicely under the loose criteria and got tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Perhaps in excess of $100,000 total. 3 young kids, monthly checks for years and years.. I don't know what it all added up to.
Unlikely a guy who would take that money would spend any significant amount of his own money to help Corbett in a very iffy campaign effort.
Pete didn't even spend any of his own money to help his own re-election.
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I agree. They don't call him Cheap ol' Pete for nothing.
Also, he knows Eric will sweep the floor with her. This is Pete frothing at the mouth on the cheap.
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Only 345 shopping days until the November 4th, 2014 general election.
I guess there is no stopping the wonderfully informative posts between now and then.
Oh a side bet.
What's your bet that Pete Stark will spend less than $22,000 supporting Ellen Corbett.
$2,000 thus far, and $20,000 to go.
I say, the odd he will not surpass $22,000 total donations are very high. (donations to include any direct donations as well as any expenditures on to support here, independent or otherwise.)
So was his threat to spend much much more just more of Pete just spouting off?
You be the judge. Over or under $22,000 total.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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Who is anonymous 11:41? What a looney!
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According to the Oct 16 article on the Citizen a large part of Swalwell's contributions came from the medical and pharmaceutical vested interest groups. These are the same groups that have been sticking it to the middle class and poor for years. My family and I will be voting for Ellen Corbett next year.
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We are tuning you out because your ramblings are incomprehensible.
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Well, the Space HO's at it again.
Continue to tune out her bloated bitch ass.
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Since Eric has changed his mind on so many issues how can anyone trust what he says or does. I'm a Senior and will be supporting Ellen Corbett in 2014 because I trust her more even though I disagree with her on some issues.
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Eric is not running against Stark this time with his irascible temperament and personality. Ellen Corbett is a much more formidable foe and an extremely likable and capable politician. She is very likely to win as she has helped many people in this area over the years. I know our family will be supporting her.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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The only person we are tuning out is you 5:57. What an idiot. Why waste our time? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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Well, the Space HO's at it again.
Continue to tune out her bloated bitch ass.
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The only person we are tuning out is you 1:58. What an idiot. Why waste our time? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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Well, the Space HO's at it again.
Continue to tune out her bloated bitch ass.
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Anon above: What the hell are you talking about? Are you off your meds? You make no sense. It seems you are in need of some help.
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Dorcas, you never voted for the congressman in your entire life. You don't live in the district. You have always volunteered on old man's Stark's campaigns. Finally, you're off your meds again and smoking the bad stuff.
Eric going to kick that fatt ass where it hurts!
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Eric is not running against Stark this time with his irascible temperament and personality. Ellen Corbett is a much more formidable foe and an extremely likable and capable politician. She is very likely to win as she has helped many people in this area over the years. I know our family will be supporting her.
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Since Eric has authored no significant legislation in Washington, I'll take Ellen Corbett who has authored significant legislation to help the environment, women, consumers, seniors, children, education, etc.
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Because it was sooooo long ago most people don't realize that Pete got his seat the first time in the same manner as Eric by taking on a long term member of congress, and Pete bragged about it for years. It's called Karma
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Classic lines from Pete Stark
Regarding Ro running this year
“I think that’s impertinent of him.”
Impertinent…”not showing proper respect”
Then he goes on
Khanna “has to wait and run.” Yeah, just like he did in 2012, a election he could have won vs Stark.
Wait to run, because running against a incumbent shows “lack of respect”
This man, Pete Stark, simply missed the entire lesson of his defeat. From the very beginning he showed his ignorant arrogance born of 40 years in Washington surrounded by long time incumbents.
How dare the rookie upstart challenge him the same way he challenged aging 81 year old George P. Miller in 1972.
Now, he even rebukes Ro Khanna for simply allowing the people…the people… to make their own decision.
I know old folks have a hard time changing their mind, but Stark is so out of it that he must still think his defeat was some kind of mistake by uninformed voters.
NO, the voters knew exactly what they were doing.
They were tired of Pete Stark and his imperious ways.
If I was Corbett or Honda, I'd steer far clear of Pete Stark.
He is a loose cannon.
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Stark is so full of shit. THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVE.
How could I have been so stupid to vote for that arrogant horse's ass for all those years?
He wants to wage war on someone who dared to run without kissing the ring and going to the back of the line? Bring it on.
I have never been involved in a campaign before but I will do everything I can to help Eric Swalwell. I have a very small pension but will give what I can just to silence Pete the miserable windbag.
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